Sunderland’s newest hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, opened its doors this week and it has brought over 60 jobs to the area.
The hotel has opened right next to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and is the first of the Hilton brand to open in Sunderland.
Shift leader David Robertson he said: “The hotel is in a vital location, especially if you’re going to a football match.”
Mr Robertson believes the hotel will be a big success.
He added: “It definitely is a hotel that Sunderland needs; it’s bridging a gap.”
The hotel has 141 rooms as well as a Karbon grill kitchen restaurant and gym facilities.
It has opened at the right time, with big events such as England vs Australia and Beyonce coming to the Stadium of Light.
With events like this constantly happening at the Stadium, and the remaining two games of Sunderland’s Premier League, the staff are expecting to be busy.
Mr Robertson also said: “We’ve had a few reservations and already some guests in house, but as it’s a new opening it takes a while for the guests to come inside.